There's only one thing more scary than a great Black Back Gull to ducks on the river ...that's Two Black backed gulls ! During the last few days we have lost some ducklings and young ducks, would not be surprised if it was the Black back. One of our trust Members saw a black back with a young duck which escaped after he clapped his hands to scare it off.
The great Black back is a powerful predator and capable of taking fully grown ducks and rabbits. I witnessed a black back in 2010 taking a fully grown female duck. See above Photos!
Last week I saw a pair of them feeding on a what looked like a sea trout on the riverside.
Even half dozen Hoodie crows are no match for the Great black back. The comparative size to a common herring gull can clearly be seen here.
